Find your faith

Chapter 36: Interviews conducted, results released

Ethan's POV
"So you guys are actually good friends huh?" Mdm Yeo asked casually.

"Not really," I admitted. "The circumstances were harsh and we were forced to be apart but I guess it's like nothing really changed."

"That's good. Ethan, come in first." I was led into the interview room with Mdm Yeo to start my Chinese trip interview.

Interview

Mdm Yeo: alright Ethan, I understand you struggle with Chinese so we're going to conduct this interview in English. I'm going to focus on seeing if you truly knowing what you're getting yourself into. You mentioned that you go to Taiwan with your family a lot and wondering if it's similar to mainland china, using this trip as a form of exploring this curiosity. What makes you think that?

Ethan: it's simple. Both countries have Mandarin as its main language but Taiwan has an additional language— Taiwanese. Everything is similar. Even the local food albeit with some twists.

Mdm Yeo: but maybe after getting in, you did try to understand the differences why they are different, right?

Ethan: Yes. China uses both simplified and traditional Chinese while Taiwan is heavily focused on traditional Chinese. Economically. China still is seen as a producer of inferior products, however Taiwan's electronic industry is growing day by day

Mdm Yeo: Continuing on with the economic developments, what do you think is Mainland China's biggest economic developments hence far?

Ethan: it is known to be the producers of the Apple products. Although Apple was assembled by Americans, China is responsible for assembling the iPhones and iPads we dearly cling onto today. Nike shoes are also well known to be produced in China, despite its American origins.

Mdm Yeo: have you ever considered doing something related to business?

Ethan: isn't that topic for form teacher student interaction?

Mdm Yeo: you actually focused on the economic developments of China and not really the cultural. I feel so ashamed to be from China, but it's only because I've overlooked how even simple things like a phone are manufactured from China. Let's follow up on this on Monday.

Crystal's POV

"Crystal, it's your turn," Ethan announced as he motioned at the door. I hopped into the interview room.

Interview (fully conducted in Chinese)

Mdm Yeo: since you said you want this trip to delve into true blue China and your recent transfer to my class, don't expect me to go easy on you. You're answering in Chinese for all three questions. What are some parts of the Chinese culture that are exclusive to China and not Singapore?

Crystal: due to Singapore's multiracial society we only get 2 days off for the Singaporean Chinese New Year. We only celebrate the first few days of the Chinese New Year, namely visiting our relatives and reunion meals. However, true blue Chinese get to celebrate all 15 days and even eat tang yuan on the last day. More than the singaporean Chinese. They also have the privilege of playing with firecrackers, something banned in Singapore due to safety concerns.

Mdm Yeo: How does China carry out its artistic activities differently from the singaporean Chinese?

Crystal: We have Chinese dance in Singapore, but there is a fusion of contemporary and ballet dance in it. However, the Chinese dancers in China experience different sub genres of dance, and there is such a thing as Chinese opera dance. Chinese theatre in Singapore also has a tendency to have a fusion with western drama, but China also has Chinese opera. What I'm trying to get at is that Singapore Chinese Arts have a hint of western influence but in China it can have a mixture of true blue Chinese and its own fusions.

Mdm Yeo: an extremely valid point here. Now, I've got a challenge for you sets up a Weiqi board in front of Crystal without any prompting, let's play weiqi to see your true appreciation and understanding of the Chinese culture

The duo get into an intense match where Mdm Yeo's logic skills outwit Crystal's in-depth understanding of the game.

Mdm Yeo: I'm the winner, but I'm heartened to know your loss doesn't come from ignorance about the game but poor strategy. I'm sure with practice, you'll go far.

Crystal: thank you

leaves the room

Jennifer's POV

Crystal: you know for my interview I had to play chess with Mdm Yeo?

Ethan: what? Shouldn't it be a test of your knowledge?

Crystal: I think she wanted a holistic understanding of how well I can play Weiqi and the culture overall. I'm getting a sensing your interview is in a way customised. One person had to recite a Chinese poem in front of Mdm Yeo.

Jennifer: well, our biology teacher made one student fold a paper crane! It's just to follow the myth of the 1000 cranes and he wanted to see if he could fold that well. Absurd cultural tests aside, Nicole and I are going to Japan for real. I'm pumped

Crystal: that's great! Congratulations! But I have to change into half uniform. Last request to send my regards to Nicole please.

Jennifer: aye aye, at your service!

Sources:

https://theculturetrip.com/asia/taiwan/articles/the-differences-between-taiwan-and-china

https://naiyuanmart.com/2021/11/17/10-iconic-brands-you-didnt-know-are-produced-in-china-number-5-will-shock-you/